Will Cogan had never thought about becoming a teacher. Jackson Miller planned on pursuing a career in marketing. Seth Spero was working in the private sector for a year after college, but wanted a more fulfilling career. Alex Clark knew from a young age he wanted to work in education. 

For these four teachers at Woodson High School, the route to becoming a teacher looks very different. But they now share a common bond: teaching together at the school they graduated from. The four men are all in their first few years of teaching and they all coach sports at FCPS. For three of them, it was coaching that helped them realize that working with students was their passion. 

“During college, I had an internship where I was sitting in a cubicle for several hours,” Cogan said. “I would go to coach lacrosse practice after and I found I enjoyed being on my feet and interacting with students. It was so much more rewarding. A desk job just wasn’t for me.”

Miller had a similar experience, coaching golf at Woodson while also working full time in marketing. While coaching, he realized he could have a positive impact on students’ lives. He is now in the FCPS Teacher Residency program, where he is able to teach under the guidance of a fellow Woodson teacher who serves as a mentor. 

Spero worked part-time as an assistant basketball coach at Woodson before making the transition into the classroom, and now works with special education students. He was hired on a provisional teaching license as he continues work on his master’s degree in education at George Mason University.  

“There is a great need for special education teachers,” Spero said. “Being a young role model for the kids is really what keeps me coming back everyday.”

For Clark, it was an easy decision to become a teacher, following in his mom’s footsteps, who also teaches at FCPS. As an Honors History teacher and coach of the rifle team, he says he’s found success at Woodson thanks to the support from his fellow teachers and administrators, some of whom taught him many years ago. 

“My freshman English teacher Mr. Brown saw me on my first day. He was confused because the last time he saw me was 10 years ago!” Clark shared. “He was excited to see me as part of the community again. I wonder if I’ll have a similar experience, with a former student showing up ten years later as a teacher. That would be pretty cool.” 

Miller agrees, adding, “A major reason I came to Woodson is because I knew I would be supported by the community here. You have that instant support system in place from your very first day. They make sure you have everything you need to do the best you can.”

Spero encourages others who may be unsure about their future career path to consider teaching. 

“When I was thinking about making the switch to teaching, I wasn’t sure how I would go about that. But all it took was me sending an email to the principal. I was on the phone with her later that day. It just takes a leap of faith. Reach out and see what the opportunities are.”